When it comes to basement flooring in Toronto, considering things like flooding and mold build-up are a real issue – with snow, rain and other moistures. For flooring, water is enemy #1 – it will ruin it upon impact, so we need to be mindful of our options:

Laminate flooring will often show imperfections of your concrete floor and could very well be damaged by flooding as well.

What should you do: Two basement-flooring options might be worth thinking about:

Laminate or interlocking vinyl or plank flooring options will not ruin due to basement flooding. Because they aren’t connected to the floor beneath it – only to each other – to which some coin as “floating tile”. This choice gives you the option to remove, dry and then reassemble if any damage is done to it.

Expect to pay perhaps $5 to $7 per square foot. Laminate tiles are made of different layers of material – with the main base being a high-density fiber board. They should handle dampness fairly well.

Carpet in your basement gives your lower floor that homey feel. If you ensure the under layer is mildew-resistant, it can help reduce mildew when and if moisture comes on to the carpet.

These quick and easy options give your basement the best possible options for your basement flooring. Consider all of your options – laminate, hardwood, carpet and linoleum – to name a few when finishing your basement.

Doing your basement efficiently and properly will go a long way towards a successful basement renovation.